Sermorelin
Also known as: Sermorelin acetate, GHRH (1-29), Geref (discontinued brand), GRF 1-29
Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog — first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH
Overview
Sermorelin is a GHRH analog corresponding to the first 29 amino acids of natural GHRH. It stimulates the pituitary to release GH in a pulsatile, more physiologic pattern. It was previously FDA-approved (as Geref, approved 1990) for diagnostic and pediatric GH-related use, but the branded product was discontinued for commercial (not safety) reasons. It is now one of the more legally straightforward peptides in the U.S. compounding market: it is available via licensed compounding pharmacies with a prescription and is not on the FDA restricted compounding list. It is, however, prohibited in competitive sport. Educational information only — use requires a prescription and clinician supervision.
Commonly Reported Uses
These are uses commonly discussed or marketed by users and vendors — not a list of proven or approved benefits, and not a recommendation.
- Adult GH support / 'anti-aging' (off-label, clinician-supervised) — marketed claim
- Body composition (fat loss, lean-mass support) — marketed claim, modest controlled human outcome data
- Sleep quality and recovery — marketed claim
What to Track
Data points you and your clinician might monitor. For observation only — not a diagnostic protocol.
- Labs — IGF-1 at baseline and follow-up (primary GH-axis readout); fasting glucose / HbA1c
- Body composition — InBody body-fat % and lean mass over time
- Whoop — slow-wave sleep and recovery trends
- Subjective — sleep quality, energy, recovery
Sources & References
Quick Reference
- Class
- Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog — first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH
- Evidence Level
- Limited human evidence
- Reported Uses
- 3 listed
- Tracking Metrics
- 4 suggested
- Citations
- 3 sources
Safety & Legal Notes
Originally FDA-approved (Geref, 1990); branded product discontinued for business reasons. Currently NOT available as an FDA-approved finished product, but legally compoundable under sections 503A/503B with a prescription (not on the FDA restricted compounding list); 2026 FDA guidance tightened documentation/clinical-necessity requirements for compounded GH secretagogues, so prescriber attestation requirements may apply. PROHIBITED in sport: GHRH analogues including sermorelin are on the WADA Prohibited List (Section S2). Generally well-tolerated in studies; long-term outcome data is limited. Requires a prescription and clinician supervision.
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